09-24-2001 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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• MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY, September 24, 2001 ( #01 -2692 ABC Supply Company, Continued) Weinberger stated the other issue before the Council is the language in the Comprehensive Plan, which says that industrial development will be controlled as to not encroach upon or adversely impact primary residential land uses in Orono. Weinberger stated the deliveries by large vehicles has been moved to an area where it is strictly industrial, with the parking also being relocated to lessen the visual impact to the adjoining property owners. The Applicant has agreed to construct a six -foot berm along with planting of six foot evergreen trees and other trees on and around the berm. Weinberger stated the resolution before the Council states that the Applicant will plant eight evergreens and eight hardwood trees, with the provision that evergreens could be substituted for the hardwood trees. Weinberger noted the resolution does not address the height of the trees, with Staff discussing with the Applicant that the height of the trees be six to eight feet in height. In addition, the activities associated with the outside storage area would be limited to the business hours specified by ABC Supply Company. All parking in relation to the operation of the business shall be in accordance with the revised plan, with contractor and employee parking being located adjacent to the building. All noise generated by the operation of the business shall not exceed the allowed noise levels as set by the City of Orono Noise Ordinance. City Staff and the Planning Commission is recommending approval of the application Weinberger stated one issue not included in the application is the City's desire to encourage the conversion of the industrial district uses to go towards light industrial, high tech, as well as • office /showroom type uses. Weinberger stated the use proposed by ABC is more of the traditional use that has been proposed for this area. 9 Dahl indicated he has nothing to add to Staff s report. White inquired whether the Applicant would be agreeable to planting additional trees along the property line in the area that is currently grass. Weinberger noted the property is being leased by ABC. Mayor Peterson indicated she would prefer 8 foot trees be planted. Dahl indicated he has have received a couple of estimates so far, with one person wanting $150 per tree and the other estimate being $22,000. Sansevere noted eight -foot trees on top of the six -foot berm would provide a 14 foot screen. Sansevere commented that smaller trees sometimes grow better than taller trees. Sansevere stated he is fine with either size. Flint stated he has a concern regarding the language in the City's land use plan, which talks about the change in the area and the City's vision for the area. Flint indicated the language addresses how it is important that the uses in the industrial park are compatible with the other uses in the area. Flint stated that ABC Supply is not really the kind of use that the City contemplated for this area, noting that other PAGE 13